When should I see a doctor about possible cancer symptoms?
See your doctor if you have symptoms that do not get better after a few weeks. That is the advice of the National Cancer Institute. Going early means problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
One important point is that cancer often does not cause pain. Because of this, the National Cancer Institute advises not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor. If you have symptoms that last for a couple of weeks, it is important to see a doctor.
It also helps to remember that cancer can cause many symptoms. But those same symptoms are most often caused by illness, injury, benign tumors, or other problems. Seeing a doctor is the way to find out the cause, whatever it turns out to be.
Symptoms that cancer may cause can affect many parts of the body. They include breast changes, bladder changes, unexplained bleeding or bruising, and bowel changes. Others are a lasting cough, eating problems, severe and lasting fatigue, and unexplained weight change.
A doctor can evaluate any lasting symptom and recommend next steps.
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: Symptoms of Cancer: What to Watch For
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